I’m 18, a senior in high school, an art student, and the younger sister of a 22 year old brother with low-verbal autism. I am a finalist in the South Carolina Young Filmmaker’s competition for 2013. We were to create a 2 minute film showcasing the beauty of one of South Carolina’s state parks.

Starting April 29th, the SCYoungFilmmakers launched a YouTube page to post the finalist’s films for people to view and “LIKE” for approximately two weeks. You can "like" a video using a Gmail account if you don't have a YouTube account. Google owns YouTube.

Click the thumbs up LIKE button to place a vote on my film.

The top 3 winners will be chosen based on the Judge’s scores and YouTube ‘LIKES’. Please go see my film! I was accepted into Ringling College of Art and Design as a Motion Design major for the fall, and I hope to create visual effects in film and animation. As much as I love my art, I love my brother more. Anthony is my inspiration to tell stories visually, and I strive to succeed for both of us.

I hope you enjoy my film…and if you do, please please please LIKE and SHARE!

1. RECOMMENDED: Another prompt, another video, this one is a MUST SEE PSA.

Natalie Palumbo's Gripping Autism Public Service Announcement Wins First Place

Natalie's PSA took FIRST PLACE in the Notre Dame High School National Film competition. Congratulations, Natalie. You're an inspiration and you represent autism siblings and Age of Autism in an artistic and professional manner that will take you far. - Kim

By Natalie Palumbo

I am 18, a senior in High School, and the younger sibling of a 22 year old brother with low verbal autism. I am busy preparing for graduation, and have good news to share. I was accepted into the Motion Design major at Ringling College of Art and Design, which is my first choice for college. I am currently taking a media arts class at a neighboring high school, and it has been an amazing experience.

The Public Service Announcement that I made for class called “Age Of Autism” was submitted into the Notre Dame High School National Film competition by my teacher Ms. Esposito. I received word last week that my PSA will be among the films being screened in Los Angeles this April. Only runner ups and winners are screened. Ironically, it is the same day as accepted students’ day at Ringling College. Due to the cross country distance, they are sending me my award certificate in the mail. I am thrilled and very grateful to be part of the screening, and am very excited to see if it won. The support I’ve received for my PSA has been wonderful, and I’ve received many lovely notes and letters from families that told me they finally felt represented. I worry about my future, and work very hard to do well. I know my brother will need me, and I want us to have a good life together.

For competition purposes, the music for my PSA had to be changed. The winning version has been posted to YouTube, and can be found here:

Thank you all for supporting my PSA Age of Autism. I created it for all of us.

Natalie Palumbo is a senior in high school and younger sister to Anthony, who has autism.

2. Another award winning video here.

Congratulations to Sam Wessels 10 year old CNN iReport Award Winner for Autism

Many of you know Lin Wessels, a tireless advocate for people with autism - who by virtue of living in Iowa was able to meet all of the Presidential candidates, along with her son, to introduce them to autism. Lin has also been a supporter of the United States of Autism movie which features her family.

Sam's video "I speak about autism because I can" has won an CNN iReport award. Said one judge: “Sam and his family are so thoughtful to share ‘their’ story. It's special that Sam talks so openly about autism and documented it via iReport,” wrote public relations consultant Sarah Evans. Please join us in thanking both Lin and Sam for their work.